Book Talk, Boy Fun Edition

Right now, my mancub is cracking me up. Of course, he's been doing that his whole life.

But you see, NOW he knows how to pee. On his own. In the yard, in the toilet, on the dog, on demand. We have a lot of laughs (and a large quantity of stories) as a result of this new development in Casa de Reinhard. I've been yelling and yowling and yipping.

If I've just lost you, or you're wondering what in the WORLD I'm thinking, or if you're laughing so hard your coffee just came through your nose...well, I'm sorry. Let's talk books now, shall we?

Recent Reads

Walking with Mary: A Biblical Journey from Nazareth to the Cross, by Edward Sri (Image Books, 2013)

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I think it's safe to say I'm a Dr. Sri fangirl. This is the second book of his that I've read, and once again, I'm struck by his love of God. His devotion to Mary shines through what could otherwise be a rather dry and academic text. It's not, though. It's more like a personal look. You truly walk with Mary and if you'll end the book feeling closer to Mary and reading the Scripture passages about her differently.

God's Bucket List: Heaven's Surefire Way to Happiness in this Life and Beyond, by Teresa Tomeo (Image Books, 2013)

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Tomeo nails it, no surprise. I thought at first that the idea of a bucket list was a bit cutesy, but not only does she keep it from being tacky, she weaves Scripture in with her anecdotes and research findings. A good read.

Current Reads

Emily Post's Manners in a Digital World: Living Well Online, by Daniel Post Senning (Open Road E-riginal, 2013)

I'm amused by this book. On the one hand, I didn't think I needed it. (There's my pride again.) On the other, I'm attracted to anything techie, so... so far, it's well-done. I'm not seeing anything new or shocking, but I do think, so far, that this should be widely distributed.

Under the Mantle: Marian Thoughts from a 21st Century Priest, by Donald H. Calloway, MIC (Marian Press, 2013)

I continue my slow reading of this book and I continue to enjoy it.

Next on My Reading List

Atchison Blue: A Search for Silence, a Spiritual Home, and a Living Faith, by Judith Valente (Ave Maria Press, 2013)

I'm going to be reading this for the Patheos Book Club. I can't say much about it yet, because I haven't even picked it up, but...well, judging from my past experience with the books I've gotten from Patheos, this one will make an impact of some sort on me. Here's what the publisher says:

In this meditative spiritual memoir, Judith Valente, celebrated PBS religion journalist and celebrated poet, invites readers along on her transformative pilgrimages to Mount St. Scholastica monastery in Atchison, Kansas. The Benedictine sisters who invited Valente presented her with a view of monastic life and wisdom that brought spiritual healing to her fast-paced life--and promises to do the same for her readers.

Saint: Why I Should Be Canonized Right Away, by Lino Rulli (Servant Books, 2013)

I would have read this book whether or not I was asked to be part of the blog tour, but having a deadline moved it up on my priority reading list. I expect I'll laugh until I have to hold my sides and shake my head until my ears ring. It's sure to be a good read.

From the publisher:

If you've been waiting for a saint that cries like a schoolgirl, was once an aspiring rapper, is a really good kisser, and rode an elephant in the circus...then your prayers have been answered!

Lino Rulli is hilarious, brutally honest, and ready for his canonization. Saint picks up where Sinner left off. Lino's stories of triumph and failure suggest that you might not be as big a sinner as you think. And that, with God's grace, you might just become a saint.

What have YOU been reading lately?

*Are you on Goodreads? I'll see you there!

Curious about what my ratings mean? Here's an explanation of what the stars mean to me.

Be sure to check out our Book Notes archive.

Copyright 2013, Sarah Reinhard